Truck driving career: 5 things to know

 

The truck driver is sitting behind the steering wheel in a truck.

You ought to first discuss select occupations with loved ones before even considering applying for a job in the field. Truck driving is one such occupation, says class1 truck driving school Edmonton.

In many ways, being an OTR (over-the-road) or CDL driver is more a lifestyle than a job. Its demands, particularly upward of 300 days per year on the road, will certainly limit what time you spend at home, thus impacting relationships with those around you. And because it may be two years before you can move into a regional driving position that allows for you to return home weekly, instead of once every three weeks, spouses or partners deserve some say in your deliberations before you decide if driving a truck for a living is for you.

But if you're attracted to flexibility, 20 hours of solitude each day, and following a different routine from the rest of the population, then this career is worth exploring. To assist you in discussion with loved ones and fill you in on what to expect in this line of work, consider the 5 noteworthy facts below about truck driving career by class1 truck driving schoolEdmonton. You may be surprised by what you learn.

1.    Days can begin early. Many drivers like to move with the light; others prefer to drive through the night. Over the road truck drivers don't have set starting hours unless they call in to dispatch after returning from "time off."

2.    You may be expected to work up to 70 hours over eight days. After you've worked for 70 hours, you cannot drive again until you take a full 34 hours off duty. The 70-hour limit could be reached by working 14-hour days, but you cannot drive for more than 11 hours in a day. So it would be best to conclude your "Hours of Service" with a 10-hour break, says class1 truck driving school Edmonton.

3.    Employers who pay "practical miles" pay based on every mile driven while on the job. On the other hand, "paid miles" is more like drawing a straight line on a map from Point A to Point B, even though routes aren't always straight. Your salary can increase if you become a trainer, are willing to haul oversize freight or hazardous materials, or if an employer pays you a percentage of each load you run.

4.    You will either do "drop and hooks" or live loading and unloading, which can take two to three hours each. Class1 truck driving school Edmonton mentions that an over-the-road driver will rarely have to unload any freight. Still, you rely on various shipping and receiving departments observing your strict schedule.

5.    Many perks come with a truck driver's schedule, not the least of which is a unique view of the country, as well as camaraderie among your peers. You'll mostly get to drive modern trucks with comfortable, ergonomically designed seats to help you stay alert and focused. This is just as well because most of your working days are spent in a small space, but that shouldn't confine your imagination or ambition, says class1 truck driving school Edmonton.

 

A good day for a truck driver is always spent on the road or the road to home. As a result, truck drivers have a long history of being held in high esteem by the public. Just be forewarned that even if you're young, single, and keen to be free, it's not easy to be a truck driver. Class1 truck driving school Edmonton suggests talking through all the possibilities of this lifestyle for the sake of your loved ones and yourself.